Vultures. Quietly circling, scrolling, waiting to strike. Looking for some dead meat. Because that’s what you are to them now. You’re dead meat because you don’t look, think, or act like them. If you dare to have an opinion or belief that is different from theirs, they will chew you up and swallow you whole. Whatever happened to a friendly debate that’s truly friendly? People are vicious, but what’s worse is that people who claim to be Christian are just as vicious as the rest of the world.
I know, it sounds dramatic. But sometimes, that’s what it feels like online, right? I wanted to paint a visual picture of vultures attacking because words hurt. I don’t have a political agenda here. Honestly, I usually steer as clear from politics as I can. Unfortunately, politics and disagreements don’t occur at the dinner table with Cousin Sue or Uncle Huey anymore. Instead, they’re posted all across social media. If you have Facebook, Twitter, or any other kind of social platform, it’s going to be in your face.
And while I expect to see cute baby pictures or family updates, more often than not, I’m greeted by political warfare instead. Sure, it’s entertaining. I scroll through the comments, curious to see what kind of shenanigans will unfold. Who doesn’t enjoy a little real-time drama? Some of us feed off it. We encourage it. We crave it. But in the midst of the online chaos, Christians, too, can be tempted to jump into the fray. Yet as followers of Christ, we’re called to something higher.
When someone boldly shares their religious or political viewpoints online, they often face intense backlash. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat, Republican, Christian, or atheist—once you post your opinion, critics will come. The metaphorical vultures are ready to pounce, leading to broken friendships and divided families, and our country can seem more fractured than ever.
Sadly, Christians sometimes use their words as weapons instead of tools for God’s glory. Rather than letting Scripture guide our interactions, we often rely on worldly rebuttals. Phrases like ‘I’ll be praying for you,’ when paired with a spiteful comment, disguise hostility and cause more harm than good. Just as you can’t pour fresh and bitter water from the same spring, you can’t bless God and curse people with the same mouth.
“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.
We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.
But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.” — James 3:1-12
I’m not saying that Christians shouldn’t post their beliefs. Or that we shouldn’t defend our faith. It’s important to share with this broken world where our hope comes from. But when we use our words as weapons to tear others down online, even if we think we’re making a point, we risk damaging relationships and showing a side of ourselves we might not be proud of.
Do you think you’re going to save someone’s soul by telling them they’re an idiot on Facebook? Do you think trash-talking your momma, your best friend’s momma, or your Uncle Huey in hateful comments is going to win them over to see things your way? All you’re doing is destroying a relationship and showing your true nature. It’s ugly, even when it’s cleverly disguised as humor. And it’s definitely not edifying. It’s not building up the kingdom. It’s honestly just straight pride, trying to prove who can land a better jab.
I’ve been there, too—tempted to fire off a reply because I felt misunderstood or angry. I have typed up responses and then had to delete them, knowing they would only create more conflict. I’ve learned that when we react in haste, we often end up hurting others and ourselves. Just like vultures circling their prey, when we’re ready to tear into someone with anger and biting remarks, we need to remember this: the more we feed that anger, the more it consumes us, leaving bitterness in its wake.
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9
In a world that is ugly and full of hate, we are supposed to be showing love, joy, and peace. Vote for who you want. Pray about it and make sure you are being led by God with your decision. But if you say you are a Christian, please think before you speak. Is it loving? Is it edifying? Does it glorify God, or does it glorify you? Are you placing a human on the same level as God? God doesn’t want you to fight against flesh and blood. Our battle isn’t against our friends and family but against the principalities and dark powers of this world. God knows who will be elected. He will take care of us.
Next time you’re tempted to fire off a heated reply, pause. Ask yourself, ‘Am I speaking from a place of love? Will my words build up or tear down?’ Consider using your platform to spread encouragement, even in disagreement.
“Do What Is Good. Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. But—
When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior.
Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.
Do not get involved in foolish discussions about spiritual pedigrees or in quarrels and fights about obedience to Jewish laws. These things are useless and a waste of time. If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them. For people like that have turned away from the truth, and their own sins condemn them.”— Titus 3:1-11
As Christians, we’re called to be the light in dark places. Imagine if our words—both online and in person—reflected that light. What if we became known for our grace in disagreement, for building bridges rather than burning them? Let’s be the peacemakers this world desperately needs.
“The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” — Proverbs 18:21
We need to speak life. To use our words to build up and not tear down. Let’s commit to being light-bringers. The world needs that light more than ever. Let’s show them Jesus—through our words, our actions, and our love. And as your momma always said, ‘If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.’ Simple advice, but still relevant.